A host monitor device 26 disposed in an emergency call center 12 displays, on an image display 82 thereof, an ID code identifying a subscriber 20, a symbol representing an emergency call from the subscriber 20, a symbol indicating that a portable transmitting device 22 is worn, or not worn, on the subscriber 20, and pulse-wave information including the respective times of day, and total number, of occurrences of arrhythmia, tachycardia, or bradycardia of the subscriber 20 detected in a prescribed time duration. An operator 84 can check the emergency call of the subscriber 20 against the pulse-wave information of the same 20 transmitted to the emergency call center 12 when a call button 34 is operated by the subscriber 20. Thus, the operator 84 can immediately judge whether an emergency action should be taken for the subscriber 20, in response to the emergency call of the same 20, without needing an additional checking operation such as a telephone call to the subscriber 20.

Patent
   5729203
Priority
Jun 28 1994
Filed
May 24 1995
Issued
Mar 17 1998
Expiry
Mar 17 2015
Assg.orig
Entity
Small
85
17
EXPIRED
14. An emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call of a subscriber to an emergency call center via a communication channel, comprising:
a portable transmitting device having a call button which is operable for transmitting said emergency call of said subscriber, a physical information sensor which obtains a physical information of said subscriber, a memory which stores a batch of physical information detected by said physical information sensor for a predetermined time duration, and a signal transmitter which transmits a signal at a predetermined modulation frequency, said portable transmitting device being adapted to be worn on said subscriber, and transmitting from said signal transmitter a signal representing said batch of physical information stored in said memory for said predetermined time duration in response to an operation of said call button; and
a signal receiving and call device having a signal receiver which receives said signal from said signal transmitter of said portable transmitting device, and a communication apparatus which transmits the physical information signal received by said signal receiver to said emergency call center via said communication channel, said signal receiving and call device being disposed in a place where said subscriber is,
said portable transmitting device further comprising a wearing sensor which identifies whether said portable transmitting device is worn on said subscriber and outputs a wearing signal indicating that the portable transmitting device is worn on the subscriber, wherein said transmitter transmits said wearing signal and said physical information signal in response to said operation of said call button.
1. An emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call of a subscriber to an emergency call center via a communication channel, comprising:
a portable transmitting device having a call button which is operable for transmitting said emergency call of said subscriber, a physical information sensor which obtains a physical information of said subscriber, a memory which stores a batch of physical information detected by said physical information sensor for a predetermined time duration, and a signal transmitter which transmits a signal at a predetermined modulation frequency, said portable transmitting device being adapted to be worn on said subscriber, and transmitting from said signal transmitter an emergency call signal indicative of an operation of said call button and a physical information signal representing said batch of physical information stored in said memory for said predetermined time duration in response to said operation of said call button; and
a signal receiving and call device having a signal receiver which receives said emergency call and physical information signals transmitted from said signal transmitter of said portable transmitting device, and a communication apparatus which transmits the emergency call signal and the physical information signal received by said signal receiver to said emergency call center via said communication channel, in response to reception of the signals by the signal receiver, said signal receiving and call device being disposed in a place where said subscriber,
said portable transmitting device further comprising a wearing sensor which identifies whether said portable transmitting device is worn on said subscriber and outputs a wearing signal indicating that the portable transmitting device is worn on the subscriber, wherein said signal transmitter transmits said wearing signal and said emergency call and physical information signals in response to said operation of said call button.
7. An emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call of a subscriber to an emergency call center via a communication channel, comprising:
a portable transmitting device having a call button which is operable for transmitting said emergency call of said subscriber, a physical information sensor which obtains a physical information of said subscriber, a memory which stores a batch of physical information detected by said physical information sensor for a predetermined time duration, and a signal transmitter which transmits a signal at a predetermined modulation frequency, said portable transmitting device being adapted to be worn on said subscriber, and transmitting from said signal transmitter a signal representing said batch of physical information stored in said memory for said predetermined time duration in response to an operation of said call button; and
a signal receiving and call device having a signal receiver which receives said signal transmitted from said signal transmitter of said portable transmitting device, an analyzing device which analyzes said signal received by said signal receiver, and a communication apparatus which transmits a signal representing an analysis of said analyzing device to said emergency call center via said communication channel, said signal receiving and call device being disposed in a place where said subscriber is,
said portable transmitting device comprising a wearing sensor which identifies whether said portable transmitting device is worn on said subscriber and outputs a wearing signal indicating that the portable transmitting device is worn on the subscriber, wherein said signal transmitter transmits said wearing signal and the physical information signal in response to said operation of said call button,
said signal receiving and call device transmitting said wearing signal transmitted from said signal transmitter, and said signal representing said analysis of said analyzing device, to said emergency call center.
2. An emergency call system according to claim 1, wherein said signal receiving and call device transmits said wearing signal and said physical information signal transmitted from said signal transmitter, to said emergency call center.
3. An emergency call system according to claim 1, wherein said portable transmitting device further comprises an abnormality identifying means for identifying whether said subscriber is abnormal, based on said physical information of said subscriber detected by said physical information sensor, wherein said signal transmitter transmits said signal representing said batch of physical information stored in said memory for said predetermined time duration in response to an identification of said abnormality identifying means that said subscriber is abnormal.
4. An emergency call system according to claim 1, wherein said physical information sensor comprises at least one of a pulse wave sensor which detects a pressure pulse wave produced from an arterial vessel of said subscriber, an electrocardiogram sensor which obtains an electrocardiogram from said subscriber, a body temperature sensor which measures a body temperature of said subscriber, and a sweat sensor which measures an amount of sweat perspired from said subscriber.
5. An emergency call system according to claim 4, wherein said batch of physical information comprises at least one of the pressure pulse wave detected by said pulse wave sensor, the electrocardiogram obtained by said electrocardiogram sensor, the body temperature measured by said body temperature sensor, and the amount of sweat measured by said sweat sensor.
6. An emergency call system according to claim 1, wherein said communication channel comprises a telephone line which is connected to a telephone disposed in said place where said subscriber is.
8. An emergency call system according to claim 7, wherein said portable transmitting device further comprises an abnormality identifying means for identifying whether said subscriber is abnormal, based on said physical information of said subscriber detected by said physical information sensor, wherein said signal transmitter transmits said signal representing said batch of physical information stored in said memory for said predetermined time duration in response to an identification of said abnormality identifying means that said subscriber is abnormal.
9. An emergency call system according to claim 7, wherein said physical information sensor comprises at least one of a pulse wave sensor which detects a pressure pulse wave produced from an arterial vessel of said subscriber, an electrocardiogram sensor which obtains an electrocardiogram from said subscriber, a body temperature sensor which measures a body temperature of said subscriber, and a sweat sensor which measures an amount of sweat perspired from said subscriber.
10. An emergency call system according to claim 9, wherein said batch of physical information comprises at least one of the pressure pulse wave detected by said pulse wave sensor, the electrocardiogram obtained by said electrocardiogram sensor, the body temperature measured by said body temperature sensor, and the amount of sweat measured by said sweat sensor.
11. An emergency call system according to claim 7, wherein said physical information sensor comprises a pulse wave sensor which detects a pressure pulse wave from said subscriber, wherein said analyzing device analyzes said pressure pulse wave regarding at least one kind of information selected from the group consisting of a pulse rate, a waveform of a pressure pulse wave, a magnitude of a pressure pulse wave, and a blood pressure corresponding to a peak magnitude of a pressure pulse wave.
12. An emergency call system according to claim 7, wherein said communication channel comprises a telephone line which is connected to a telephone disposed in said place where said subscriber is.
13. An emergency call system according to claim 7, wherein said signal receiving and call device further comprises a display device which displays said analysis of said analyzing device so that said subscriber is informed of the analysis.
15. An emergency call system according to claim 14, wherein said signal receiving and call device transmits said wearing signal, and said physical information signal transmitted from said signal transmitter, to said emergency call center.

The present invention relates to an emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call of a subscriber to an emergency call center via a communication channel.

There is known an emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call of a subscriber to an emergency call center via a communication channel. An example of the emergency call system includes a portable transmitting device of a pendant type which is adapted to be worn on a subscriber and transmits an emergency call signal in response to an operation of a call button by the subscriber, and a signal receiving and call device which receives the radio-wave signal from the portable transmitting device and calls the emergency call center via the communication channel. When the subscriber sends an emergency call to the emergency call center by using the emergency call system as described above, an operator of the emergency call center calls back the subscriber to check that the subscriber is in an abnormal situation, and judges whether an emergency action should be taken for the subscriber. If the operator judges that an emergency treatment should be given to the subscriber, then he or she requests an ambulance car or the like to be sent to the subscriber.

In the conventional emergency call system as described above, the portable transmitting device transmits only an emergency call signal in response to an operation of the call button by a subscriber. Thus, it is very cumbersome for the operator of the emergency call center to check each of a number of emergency calls and judge whether that call really requires an emergency action. Namely, some of the emergency calls resulting from subscriber's operation of the call button of the portable transmitting device are transmitted upon unintentional operation of the call button, transmitted for checking that the call system works properly, or transmitted with just the intention of talking with the operator of the call center.

The present invention has been developed in view of the above-described situation and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an emergency call system wherein an operator can easily judge whether an emergency call of a subscriber really requests an emergency action, without needing an additional checking operation.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call of a subscriber to an emergency call center via a communication channel, comprises: (a) a portable transmitting device having a call button which is operable for transmitting the emergency call of the subscriber, a physical information sensor which obtains a physical information of the subscriber, a memory which stores a batch of physical information detected by the physical information sensor for a predetermined time duration, and a signal transmitter which transmits a signal at a predetermined modulation frequency, the portable transmitting device being adapted to be worn on said subscriber, and transmitting from the signal transmitter a signal representing the batch of physical information stored in the memory for the predetermined time duration in response to an operation of the call button; and (b) a signal receiving and call device having a signal receiver which receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter of the portable transmitting device, and a communication apparatus which transmits the physical information signal received by the signal receiver to the emergency call center via the communication channel, the signal receiving and call device being disposed in a place where the subscriber is.

In the emergency call system in accordance with the above-described, first aspect of the present invention, the portable transmitting device transmits the signal representing the batch of physical information stored in the memory for the predetermined time duration, in response to the operation of the call button. The signal receiving and call device receives the physical information signal transmitted from the portable transmitting device and transmits the physical information signal to the emergency call center.

In the emergency call center, the emergency call can be checked against the physical information of the subscriber obtained in the predetermined time duration before the operation of the call button. Therefore, it is possible to immediately judge whether the emergency call really requests an emergency action, without needing an additional checking operation such as a telephone call to the subscriber, so that an emergency action such as requesting an ambulance car is immediately taken.

Preferably, the portable transmitting device comprises a wearing sensor which identifies whether the portable transmitting device is worn on the subscriber and outputs a wearing signal indicating that the portable transmitting device is worn on the subscriber. The signal transmitter transmits the wearing signal and the physical information signal in response to the operation of the call button. The signal receiving and call device transmits the wearing signal and the physical information signal transmitted from the signal transmitter, to the emergency call center.

Preferably, the portable transmitting device comprises an abnormality identifying means for identifying whether the subscriber is abnormal, based on the physical information of the subscriber detected by the physical information sensor. The signal transmitter transmits the signal representing the batch of physical information stored in the memory for the predetermined time duration in response to an identification of the abnormality identifying means that the subscriber is abnormal.

Preferably, the physical information sensor comprises at least one of a pulse wave sensor which detects a pressure pulse wave produced from an arterial vessel of the subscriber, an electrocardiogram sensor which obtains an electrocardiogram from the subscriber, a body temperature sensor which measures a body temperature of the subscriber, and a sweat sensor which measures an amount of sweat perspired from the subscriber.

Preferably, the communication channel comprises a telephone line which is connected to a telephone disposed in the place where the subscriber is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an emergency call system for transmitting an emergency call of a subscriber to an emergency call center via a communication channel, comprises: (a) a portable transmitting device having a call button which is operable for transmitting the emergency call of the subscriber, a physical information sensor which obtains a physical information of the subscriber, a memory which stores a batch of physical information detected by the physical information sensor for a predetermined time duration, and a signal transmitter which transmits a signal at a predetermined modulation frequency, the portable transmitting device being adapted to be worn on the subscriber, and transmitting from the signal transmitter a signal representing the batch of physical information stored in the memory for the predetermined time duration in response to an operation of the call button; and (b) a signal receiving and call device having a signal receiver which receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmitter of the portable transmitting device, an analyzing device which analyzes the signal received by the signal receiver, and a communication apparatus which transmits a signal representing an analysis of the analyzing device to the emergency call center via the communication channel, the signal receiving and call device being disposed in a place where the subscriber is.

In the emergency call system in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the portable transmitting device transmits the signal representing the batch of physical information stored in the memory for the predetermined time duration, in response to the operation of the call button. The signal receiving and call device receives the physical information signal, which then is analyzed by the analyzing device of the signal receiving and call device so that the analyzed results of the physical information of the subscriber are transmitted to the emergency call center.

In the emergency call center, the emergency call can be checked against the analyzed results of the physical information of the subscriber obtained in the predetermined time duration before the operation of the call button. Therefore, it is possible to immediately judge whether the emergency call really requests an emergency action, without an additional checking operation such as a telephone call to the subscriber, so that an emergency action such as requesting an ambulance car is immediately taken.

Preferably, the portable transmitting device comprises a wearing sensor which identifies whether the portable transmitting device is worn on the subscriber and outputs a wearing signal indicating that the portable transmitting device is worn on the subscriber. The signal transmitter of the portable transmitting device transmits the wearing signal and the physical information signal in response to the operation of the call button. The signal receiving and call device transmits the wearing signal transmitted from the signal transmitter, and the signal representing the analysis of the analyzing device, to the emergency call center.

Preferably, the portable transmitting device comprises an abnormality identifying means for identifying whether the subscriber is abnormal, based on the physical information of the subscriber detected by the physical information sensor. The signal transmitter transmits the signal representing the batch of physical information stored in the memory for the predetermined time duration in response to an identification of the abnormality identifying means that the subscriber is abnormal.

Preferably, the physical information sensor comprises at least one of a pulse wave sensor which detects a pressure pulse wave produced from an arterial vessel of the subscriber, an electrocardiogram sensor which obtains an electrocardiogram from the subscriber, a body temperature sensor which measures a body temperature of the subscriber, and a sweat sensor which measures an amount of sweat perspired from the subscriber.

Preferably, the physical information sensor comprises a pulse wave sensor which detects a pressure pulse wave from the subscriber, wherein the analyzing device analyzes the pressure pulse wave regarding at least one kind of information selected from the group consisting of a pulse rate, a waveform of a pressure pulse wave, a magnitude of a pressure pulse wave, and a blood pressure corresponding to a peak magnitude of a pressure pulse wave.

Preferably, the communication channel comprises a telephone line which is connected to a telephone disposed in the place where the subscriber is.

Preferably, the signal receiving and call device further comprises a display device which displays the analysis of the analyzing device so that the subscriber is informed of the analysis.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of an emergency call system embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of a mechanical construction of a portable transmitting device which is adapted to be worn on a subscriber as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of respective electric arrangements of the portable transmitting device and a signal receiving and call device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing a control program according to which the portable transmitting device of FIG. 3 operates.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing a control program according to which the signal receiving and call device of FIG. 3 operates.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart corresponding to FIG. 4, representing a control program employed in another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, there will be described an embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of an emergency call system embodying the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 10 designates a plurality of houses or homes, each of which is connected via a telephone line 18 and a telephone station 16 to an emergency call center 12 and a hospital 14.

In each home 10, there is disposed a portable transmitting device 22 which is adapted to be worn on a subscriber 20. There is also disposed a signal receiving and call device 24 which is connected to the telephone line 18 of a telephone set disposed in the home 10 of the subscriber 20. The emergency call center 12 may be organized in a private emergency service center or a fire department. A host monitor device 26 is disposed in the emergency call center 12 and is connected to the telephone line 18.

Referring next to FIG. 2, there is shown the portable transmitting device 22 of a watch type. As shown in the figure, the portable transmitting device 22 includes: a first housing 38 comprising a display device 30 which displays pulse wave information such as a pulse rate, a piezoelectric buzzer 32 which issues an alarm sound, a call button 34 which is operable for transmitting an emergency call of the subscriber 20, and a wearing sensor 36; a second housing 44 comprising a pulse wave sensor 42 which detects a pulse wave produced from a radial artery 40 of the subscriber 20 by being pressed on the skin directly above the artery 40; and bands 46 by which the first housing 38 and the second housing 44 are connected to each other and the portable transmitting device 22 is fixed to an arm of the subscriber 20. The bands 46 are formed of, e.g., a synthetic resin which is elastically deformable. An antenna 48 is provided along the bands 46. The pulse wave sensor 42 is a pressure sensor which has the same construction as that of a conventional sensor disclosed in unexamined Japanese Patent Application laid open under Publication No. 3-15440. Namely, the pulse wave sensor 42 detects a pressure pulse wave produced from the radial artery 40 by being pressed on the skin directly above the radial artery 40.

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic view of respective electric arrangements of the portable transmitting device 22 and the signal receiving and call device 24. A central processing unit (CPU) 50 of the portable transmitting device 22 processes input signals according to control programs pre-stored in a read only memory (ROM) 54 by utilizing a temporary-storage function of a random access memory (RAM) 52. An emergency call signal and a pulse rate data signal are transmitted via a modulator 56 and a signal transmitter 58.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart representing a control program according to which the portable transmitting device 22 operates. First, at Step S1, the CPU 50 judges whether a pulse wave has been detected, based on the input signal from the pulse wave sensor 42. If the pulse wave sensor 42 has not detected any pulse wave, a negative judgement is made at Step S1, so that the current routine is ended. On the other hand, if the pulse wave sensor 42 has detected a pulse wave, a positive judgement is made at Step S1, so that the control goes to Step S2 to calculate a pulse rate based on a time difference between the current pulse wave and the last pulse wave according to a pre-stored expression. At the following Step S3, the CPU operates a display device 30 to display the thus calculated, current pulse rate of the subscriber 20, and stores the current pulse rate in the RAM 52. Step S3 is followed by Step S4 to judge whether the call button 34 has been operated. If the call button 34 has not been pushed, a negative judgement is made at Step S4, so that Steps S1 through S4 are carried out repeatedly. On the other hand, if the call button 34 has been operated, a positive judgement is made at Step S4. Thus, Step S4 is followed by Step S5 at which the CPU 50 transmits the pulse rate data signal representing the pulse rate values that have been determined and stored in the RAM 52 in a prescribed time duration, e.g., one hour, together with an ID code signal identifying the subscriber 20, the emergency call signal, and the wearing signal supplied from the wearing sensor 36, all via the antenna 48. The CPU 50 starts this monitoring operation upon operation of a power switch (not shown). When, the wearing sensor 36 detects during the monitoring operation that the portable transmitting device 22 is not worn on the subscriber 20, the piezoelectric buzzer 32 issues an alarm sound.

A CPU 60 of the signal receiving and call device 24 of FIG. 3, processes input signals according to control programs pre-stored in a ROM 64 by utilizing a temporary-storage function of a RAM 62. The CPU 60 transmits the emergency call signal and an analysis of the pulse rate data to the emergency call center 12 via a modem 66 and a telephone-line interface 68.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart representing a control program according to which the signal receiving and call device 24 operates. First, at Step ST1, the CPU 60 judges whether the CPU 60 has received signals from the portable transmitting device 22 via an antenna 70, a signal receiver 72 and a demodulator 74. If the CPU 60 has not received any signals, a negative judgement is made at Step ST1, so that the current routine is ended. On the other hand, if the CPU 60 has received the signals, a positive judgement is made at Step ST1, so that the control of the CPU 60 goes to Step ST2 to store, in the RAM 62, the pulse rate data signal, the ID code signal, the emergency call signal, and the wearing signal. At the following Step ST3, the CPU 60 analyzes the pulse rate data to determine the respective times of day, and total number, of occurrences of arrhythmia, tachycardia and bradycardia of the subscriber 20 in the prescribed time duration. Step ST3 is followed by Step ST4 to operate a display device 76 to display the analyzed results obtained at Step ST3. It is possible that in particular cases a speaker 80 issue a sound or voice by being driven by a sound circuit 78. Step ST4 is followed by Step ST5 to transmit the analysis together with the ID code signal, the emergency call signal, and the wearing signal to the emergency call center 12 via the telephone line 18.

The host monitor device 26 disposed in the emergency call center 12 is supplied with the analysis, the ID code signal identifying the subscriber 20, the emergency call signal and the wearing signal, so that the host monitor device 26 displays on an image display 82 the ID code identifying the subscriber 20, a symbol representing the emergency call, a symbol indicating that the portable transmitting device 22 is worn, or not worn, on the subscriber 20, and the times of day and total number of occurrences of arrhythmia, tachycardia and bradycardia in the last one hour on the subscriber 20. When the operator 84 of the emergency call center 12 receives the emergency call, he or she can check the emergency call against the times of day and total number of occurrences of arrhythmia, tachycardia and bradycardia in the last one hour, i.e., pulse wave information of the subscriber 20 supplied when the call button 34 is operated by the same 20, so that the operator 84 immediately judges whether an emergency action should really be taken in response to the emergency call, without needing an additional checking operation such as a telephone call to the subscriber 20. If the operator 84 judges that an emergency action should be taken, he or she can immediately request a fire department to send an ambulance car to the house 10 of the subscriber 20, and call the hospital 14 at needed.

In the present embodiment, the operator 84 of the emergency call center 12 can recognize that the portable transmitting device 22 is worn on the subscriber 20, based on the symbol representing the wearing signal, together with the ID code identifying the subscriber 20 and the emergency call signal, so that he or she can check the emergency call more accurately. Namely, when the portable transmitting device 22 is not worn on the subscriber 20, the operator 84 can judge that no emergency action is needed, even if the pulse wave information indicates that bradycardia or other abnormal pulse wave has occurred to the subscriber 20.

Next, there will be described another embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the same reference numerals as used in the preceding, first embodiment are used to designate the corresponding elements of the present, second embodiment of the invention and the explanations of those elements are omitted.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart representing a modified control program according to which the portable transmitting device 22 operates. The present embodiment is characterized by additionally having Step S6 between Step S3 and Step S4 of the flow chart of FIG. 4 employed in the first embodiment. At Step S6 of FIG. 6, the CPU 60 identifies whether the pulse wave is abnormal, based on the pulse rate calculated at Step S2. Namely, the CPU 60 judges whether the calculated pulse rate value exceeds beyond a standard range of normal pulse rates, or whether the time different between two successive pulses is excessively long. In normal cases, a negative judgement is made at Step S6, the control of the CPU 60 goes to Step S4 and the following steps. On the other hand, if a positive judgement is made at Step S6, the control goes to Step S5 to transmit the pulse rate data obtained in one hour before the identification of abnormality, the ID code signal, the emergency call signal and the wearing signal, to the receiving and call device 24. In the present embodiment, when the CPU 60 identifies that the pulse wave is abnormal at Step S6, the same transmission operation as that carried out in the first embodiment is automatically carried out without subscriber's pushing of the call button 34 needed in the first embodiment.

While the present invention has been described in its embodiments by reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention may otherwise be embodied.

In the above-described embodiments, the pulse rates are transmitted as the physical information of the subscriber 20. It is otherwise possible to transmit, as the physical information of the subscriber 20, pulse wave information such as a wave form of a pulse wave, a magnitude of a pulse wave, and a blood pressure corresponding to a peak magnitude of a pulse wave. In the later case, the analyzing device of the signal receiving and call device 24 analyzes the respective wave forms of pulse waves, the respective magnitudes of pulse waves, and the blood pressure values.

While in the above-described embodiments the pulse rates obtained through the pulse wave sensor 42 are transmitted as the physical information of the subscriber 20, it is possible to employ, in place of, or in addition to the pulse wave sensor 42, an electrocardiogram sensor, a body temperature sensor, or a sweat sensor. In the later case, electrocardiograms, heart rates, body temperatures, or amounts of sweat, which are obtained through the above-mentioned sensors, may be transmitted to the signal receiving and call device 24 in place of, or in addition to the pulse rates. After all, the portable transmitting device 22 may comprise one or more physical information sensors and may transmit one or more sorts of physical information obtained through the sensor or sensors.

While in the above-described embodiments the signal receiving and call device 24 and the host monitor device 26 are connected to each other via the telephone line 18, the two devices 24, 26 may be connected to each other via a wireless communication channel.

In the above-described embodiments, the pulse wave sensor 42 is a pressure sensor which detects a pressure pulse wave produced from an arterial vessel 40 of a living body. It is otherwise possible to employ a pulse wave sensor which optically detects a pulse wave. In the later case, the portable transmitting device 22 may be worn on body portions of the subscriber 20 other than the arms of the same 20.

Although in the above-described embodiments the respective times of day, and total number, of occurrences of arrhythmia, tachycardia, and bradycardia are transmitted as the analyzed results of the pulse wave information, together with the emergency call signal, to the emergency call center 12, it is otherwise possible to transmit at least one sort of the above-mentioned analyzed results.

While in the above-described embodiments the analyzing device of the signal receiving and call device 24 analyzes the physical information supplied from the portable transmitting device 22, at Step ST 3 of FIG. 5, it is possible to transmit the physical information directly, i.e., without analyzing the information, to the emergency call center 12 via the telephone line 18. Some sorts of physical information may not need any analysis, since those sorts of information, such as pulse rates, may be usable as they are in the form of measured values.

While the present invention has been described in its embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied with other changes and modifications and without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Suzuki, Hidenori, Oka, Tohru

Patent Priority Assignee Title
10052030, Apr 22 2002 BRAIN TUNNELGENIX TECHNOLOGIES CORP Apparatus and method for measuring biologic parameters
10582886, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10588553, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10588554, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10610138, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10617338, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10624563, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10624564, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10631765, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10638961, Jul 02 2015 Masimo Corporation Physiological measurement devices, systems, and methods
10646146, Jul 02 2015 Masimo Corporation Physiological monitoring devices, systems, and methods
10687743, Jul 02 2015 Masimo Corporation Physiological measurement devices, systems, and methods
10687744, Jul 02 2015 Masimo Corporation Physiological measurement devices, systems, and methods
10687745, Jul 02 2015 Masimo Corporation Physiological monitoring devices, systems, and methods
10702194, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10702195, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10709366, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10722159, Jul 02 2015 Masimo Corporation Physiological monitoring devices, systems, and methods
10743803, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10758166, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10912500, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
10912501, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation User-worn device for noninvasively measuring a physiological parameter of a user
10912502, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation User-worn device for noninvasively measuring a physiological parameter of a user
10945648, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation User-worn device for noninvasively measuring a physiological parameter of a user
11045092, Apr 22 2002 BRAIN TUNNELGENIX TECHNOLOGIES CORP Apparatus and method for measuring biologic parameters
11331019, Aug 07 2017 The Research Foundation for The State University of New York Nanoparticle sensor having a nanofibrous membrane scaffold
11426103, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Multi-stream data collection system for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
11484229, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation User-worn device for noninvasively measuring a physiological parameter of a user
11484230, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation User-worn device for noninvasively measuring a physiological parameter of a user
11638532, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation User-worn device for noninvasively measuring a physiological parameter of a user
11642036, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation User-worn device for noninvasively measuring a physiological parameter of a user
11642037, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation User-worn device for noninvasively measuring a physiological parameter of a user
11647914, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation User-worn device for noninvasively measuring a physiological parameter of a user
11751773, Jul 03 2008 Masimo Corporation Emitter arrangement for physiological measurements
12114974, Jan 13 2020 Masimo Corporation Wearable device with physiological parameters monitoring
12161601, Feb 20 2018 Wheeleta
5929761, Aug 03 1995 Siemens Nederland N.V. Personal alarm system
5971921, Jun 11 1998 Advanced Monitoring Devices, Inc. Medical alarm system and methods
6084525, Jun 03 1997 Kabushiki Kaisha Alpha Tsushin Distress call emitting device
6094140, Dec 22 1998 Portable alarm system
6104295, Jul 20 1998 Versus Technology, Inc. Electronic band tag and method of storing ID information therein
6287252, Jun 30 1999 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc Patient monitor
6434429, Jun 25 1999 BIOTRONIK SE & CO KG Implant with close and long-range telemetry
6445299, Jan 29 2001 Retrofit for patient call system and method therefor
6470215, Jun 25 1999 BIOTRONIK MESS-UND THERAPIEGERAETE GMBH & CO INGENIEURBUERO BERLIN Method of data transmission in implant monitoring
6490487, Jun 25 1999 BIOTRONIK MESS-UND THERAPIEGERAETE GMBH & CO INGENIEURBUERO BERLIN Transmitter of the telemetry device of an implant
6574509, Jun 25 1999 BIOTRONIK MESS-UND THERAPIEGERAETE GMBH & CO INGENIEURBUERO BERLIN Apparatus for the transmission of data in particular from an electromedical implant
6622043, Jun 25 1999 BIOTRONIK SE & CO KG Method of data interrogation in implant after-care
6774795, Jun 30 2001 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N V Electronic assistant incorporated in personal objects
6804559, Jun 25 1999 BIOTRONIK MESS-UND THERAPIEGERAETE GMBH & CO INGENIEURBUERO BERLIN Electromedical implant
6893395, Jun 25 1999 BIOTRONIK MESS-UND THERAPIEGERAETE GMBH & CO INGENIEURBUERO BERLIN Method and apparatus for data transmission between an electromedical implant and an external apparatus
7088235, Aug 20 2004 Method and apparatus for retrofitting a patient call system
7179230, Apr 25 2000 ARKRAY, Inc Pulsimeter and measuring system comprising the same
7271717, Apr 26 2005 Two-way emergency alert system
7346333, Apr 27 2001 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and apparatus for effectuating a predetermined communications connection
7453354, Oct 17 2003 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N V Device arranged for carrying out a bioelectrical interaction with an individual and a method for on-demand lead-off detection
7502643, Sep 12 2003 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Method and apparatus for measuring heart related parameters
7551079, Jun 03 2005 Jewelry security device
7689437, Jun 16 2000 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC System for monitoring health, wellness and fitness
8073707, Jun 16 2000 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC System for detecting, monitoring, and reporting an individual's physiological or contextual status
8103346, May 22 2008 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Regulatory compliant transmission of medical data employing a patient implantable medical device and a generic network access device
8157731, Oct 09 2002 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Method and apparatus for auto journaling of continuous or discrete body states utilizing physiological and/or contextual parameters
8265757, May 22 2008 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Regulatory compliant transmission of medical data employing a patient implantable medical device and a generic network access device
8275635, Feb 16 2007 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Integration of lifeotypes with devices and systems
8369936, Sep 12 2003 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Wearable apparatus for measuring heart-related parameters and deriving human status parameters from sensed physiological and contextual parameters
8382590, Feb 16 2007 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Entertainment, gaming and interactive spaces based on lifeotypes
8398546, Jun 16 2000 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC System for monitoring and managing body weight and other physiological conditions including iterative and personalized planning, intervention and reporting capability
8403845, Oct 18 1999 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Wearable human physiological and environmental data sensors and reporting system therefor
8437854, May 22 2008 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Regulatory compliant transmission of medical data employing a patient implantable medical device and a generic network access device
8451984, Jul 25 2008 CISCOR, INC Remotely actuated two-way speakerphone for use with call-for-help systems
8663106, Aug 22 2002 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Non-invasive temperature monitoring device
8700158, May 22 2008 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Regulatory compliant transmission of medical data employing a patient implantable medical device and a generic network access
8938858, Jun 29 2011 GPI HOME SOLUTIONS, INC Sandwich coupling mechanism
8961413, Jun 16 2000 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Wireless communications device and personal monitor
8961414, Jun 16 2000 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Apparatus for monitoring health, wellness and fitness
9033875, Jun 16 2000 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Multi-sensor system, device, and method for deriving human status information
9168001, Aug 22 2002 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Adhesively mounted apparatus for determining physiological and contextual status
9204806, Aug 22 2002 JB IP ACQUISITION LLC Apparatus using temperature data to make predictions about an individual
9408572, Apr 22 2002 BRAIN TUNNELGENIX Apparatus and method for measuring biologic parameters
9763581, Jan 23 2007 BONUTTI RESEARCH, INC Patient monitoring apparatus and method for orthosis and other devices
9826906, Apr 22 2002 BRAIN TUNNELGENIX TECHNOLOGIES CORP Apparatus and method for measuring biologic parameters
9833150, Apr 22 2002 GEELUX HOLDINGS, LTD. Apparatus and method for measuring biologic parameters
D454806, Aug 10 2001 Portable combined motion detector and alarm
ER1157,
ER7489,
Patent Priority Assignee Title
3572316,
3902478,
3972320, Aug 12 1974 Patient monitoring system
4173971, Aug 29 1977 Continuous electrocardiogram monitoring method and system for cardiac patients
4524243, Jul 07 1983 Lifeline Systems, Inc. Personal alarm system
4622979, Mar 02 1984 CARD GUARD TECHNOLOGIES, INC User-worn apparatus for monitoring and recording electrocardiographic data and method of operation
4819860, Jan 09 1986 Lillie; Lloyd D.; Whittaker; Arthur T. Wrist-mounted vital functions monitor and emergency locator
4889131, Dec 03 1987 TRIVIDIA HEALTH, INC Portable belt monitor of physiological functions and sensors therefor
5131390, Sep 14 1989 Suzuken Co.; Masao, Sakaguchi Device for continuously measuring the skin local sweating rate
5131400, Jun 13 1989 OMRON HEALTHCARE CO , LTD Pulse wave detecting apparatus
5162776, Jul 09 1991 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N V Emergency service apparatus and method
5226425, Sep 10 1991 CARD GUARD TECHNOLOGIES, INC Portable ECG monitor/recorder
5289824, Dec 26 1991 CARD GUARD TECHNOLOGIES, INC Wrist-worn ECG monitor
5462051, Aug 31 1994 OMRON HEALTHCARE CO , LTD Medical communication system
5469146, Aug 12 1994 Device for attaching to and detecting wetness in diapers
5515858, Feb 28 1992 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS INNOVATIONS LTD Wrist-held monitoring device for physical condition
5581369, Sep 25 1992 LIFEWATCH, INC Apparatus and method for communicating electrocardiographic data to a facsimile machine
/////
Executed onAssignorAssigneeConveyanceFrameReelDoc
May 18 1995OKA, TOHRUColin CorporationASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0075910122 pdf
May 18 1995SUZUKI, HIDENORIColin CorporationASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0075910122 pdf
May 24 1995Colin Corporation(assignment on the face of the patent)
Feb 05 2004Colin CorporationColin Medical Technology CorporationASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0144200448 pdf
Jun 26 2006Colin Medical Technology CorporationOMRON HEALTHCARE CO , LTD ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0178460738 pdf
Date Maintenance Fee Events
Sep 05 2001ASPN: Payor Number Assigned.
Sep 05 2001M283: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Yr, Small Entity.
Oct 05 2005REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed.
Mar 17 2006EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees.


Date Maintenance Schedule
Mar 17 20014 years fee payment window open
Sep 17 20016 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Mar 17 2002patent expiry (for year 4)
Mar 17 20042 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4)
Mar 17 20058 years fee payment window open
Sep 17 20056 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Mar 17 2006patent expiry (for year 8)
Mar 17 20082 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8)
Mar 17 200912 years fee payment window open
Sep 17 20096 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Mar 17 2010patent expiry (for year 12)
Mar 17 20122 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12)